The California Water Commission recently announced the appointment of Laura Jensen as its Executive Officer.
She has served as the Commission’s Assistant Executive Officer since 2020. In this role, Jensen managed the Commission’s annual workplan; formulated policy papers assigned to the Commission in the Governor’s Water Resilience Portfolio on water conveyance, groundwater trading, and drought; developed the 2025 Strategic Plan that will guide the Commission’s work for the next five years; and spearheaded efforts to increase public awareness and engagement with the Commission.
She brings extensive experience to the position. Prior to serving as the Commission’s Assistant Executive Officer, Jensen managed ecosystem restoration and community programs for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, and served as an environmental scientist with the Department of Water Resources. She also served as a project manager with the Nature Conservancy. Jensen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University.
She replaces the retiring Joseph Yun, who served in the role of Executive Officer since 2017, overseeing the formation of the Water Storage Investment Program and the Commission as it transitioned to its modern incarnation.
“Joe Yun was an exceptional Executive Officer. He brought a wealth of knowledge to the position, guiding the Commission with a steady hand and always acting in the State’s best interest,” said Commission Vice-Chair Fern Steiner. “He instilled a working team that is sure to be continued under Laura’s leadership. The Commissioners look forward to working with Laura as the Executive Officer.”
The nine-member California Water Commission uses its public forum to explore water management issues from multiple perspectives and to formulate recommendations to advise the director of the California Department of Water Resources, and as appropriate, the California Natural Resources Agency, the Governor and the California State Legislature on ways to improve water planning and management in response to California’s changing hydrology. As required by Water Code section 165, the Commission conducts an annual review of the construction and operation of the State Water Project. For more information regarding the California Water Commission, visit cwc.ca.gov.
